After his victory over the course and distance in November, Smooth Stepper was sent into Grade 2 company at Doncaster but was an early faller. Lord Wishes made all and jumped well over slightly shorter at Kelso and a 7lb rise shouldn't prevent another big run. Presented was left in the lead at the last when scoring at Ayr and hasn't won from a mark this high but Total Assets looks a progressive chaser who will be well suited by this stamina test and has James Banks' claim to aid her cause. One For Arthur made a successful debut over fences at Kelso but that was on good ground and he hasn't performed as well subsequently. Davy Russell has ridden RATHLIN to victory in Ireland and though his mount hasn't shown much in two starts for Micky Hammond he's the class-act of this race having been placed in two Grade 2's around this time a year ago so he's handed a tentative vote.
One For Arthur (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, left 3rd 5 out, outpaced next, plugged on and briefly threatened for modest 2nd after last, weakened flat, 3rd of 6, 21l behind Seeyouatmidnight (10-13) at Kelso 2m 7f (3) hvy in Dec.
Rathlin 9-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, ridden 3 out, never dangerous, 7th of 11, 29 1/4l behind Indian Temple (10-6) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Jan.
Victor Hewgo 9-2 (11-10) Held up towards rear, fell 13th, at Doncaster 3m hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Smooth Stepper 9-1 (11-8) In touch, fell 2nd, at Doncaster 3m (1) hvy in Dec.
King Of The Wolds (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Tracked leader, led 5th, clear before 4 out, ridden and headed before 2 out, soon tired but plugged on from last, no extra and lost 3rd close home, 4th of 8, 6l behind Emperor's Choice (11-12) at Haydock 3m 4f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Lord Wishes (IRE) 9-2 (11-8) Made all, jumped well, drew clear approaching 2 out, very easily, won at Kelso 2m 6f hcp (4) hvy in Dec beating Kilbree Chief (11-7) by 11l, 7 ran.
Glen Countess (IRE) 15-2 (11-7) Led, headed before 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 6, 18 1/4l behind Tomkevi (11-5) at Haydock 2m 3f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
Presented (IRE) 9-2 (10-3) Pressed leader, led 4 out (usual 5 out), hard pressed when rider dropped whip before 2 out, headed narrowly when left 3 lengths clear last, held on towards finish, won at Ayr 3m hcp (3) hvy in Jan beating Cultram Abbey (10-13) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Total Assets 4-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, led just after 3 out, soon hard pressed, held on gamely, all out, won at Kelso 3m 2f hcp (4) hvy in Dec beating Present Flight (11-9) by 2 1/2l, 7 ran.
